(Toronto) Austin Wells hit a two-run homer in the ninth on Tuesday, guiding the New York Yankees to a 2-0 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.
Hit against Jordan Romano (5-7), Wells’ third homer followed a single by Gleyber Torres, as the first batter of the inning.
Wells went for the first shot he saw from Jordan Romano.
Michael King gave up just one hit in six innings, striking out five batters. However, he allowed five walks.
Jhony Brito (9-7) had six outs and Clay Holmes collected a 23rd save.
The Jays’ three hits were singles hit by Bo Bichette, Matt Chapman and Alejandro Kirk.
Kevin Gausman allowed a first hit in the sixth. He left after seven innings, having allowed three hits, while striking out five batters.
Erik Swanson pitched in the eighth, before Jordan Romano (5-7) conceded Wells’ long ball.
The Blue Jays are second in the trio of clubs that can reach the playoffs without a section title, in the American. They are one game ahead of the Houston Astros, who play in Seattle on Tuesday night.
The Mariners are a game and a half behind the Astros.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider wasn’t planning to change his plans to watch the game on the West Coast.
“No, I’ll have a steak and a beer and go home,” he replied, point-for-tat.
We could call on Gausman on Sunday, if a place in the series is not secured for his team.
Or he could get a break and be the starting pitcher in the Blue Jays’ first game of the playoffs.
“I’m going to encourage the guys and do everything I can to help them,” Gausman said. If I have to be the one to bring them water, I’ll do it. It’s going to be a little unusual, but it’s fun to watch these guys play. »
Toronto had the opportunity to break the deadlock in the third. Kevin Kiermaier reached the bases via an option, then George Springer and Bichette drew bases on balls. Vladimir Guerrero then had a count of three no-balls, before remaining inactive in front of three pitches that hit the target.
Bichette made a nice play on defense in the seventh. On a grounder from Oswaldo Cabrera, he relayed in time to the plate at the expense of Giancarlo Stanton, as the second out of the inning.
“It was a huge play,” Gausman said. It was a big withdrawal. »
Before the game, the Blue Jays removed first baseman and designated hitter Brandon Belt from the injured list.
He was sidelined due to muscle spasms in his lumbar spine.
Belt has a .251 batting average this season, with 16 home runs.
Elsewhere, the Blue Jays recalled reliever Jay Jackson from their Buffalo farm club.
Jackson has a 2.36 ERA in 26 2/3 innings with the Blue Jays. He struck out 25 batters.
Wednesday night, Jose Berrios (11-11) will face Yankees ace Gerrit Cole (14-4).